View From The Town End: Portsmouth

We spoke to Portsmouth fan Geoff Burroughs to get the lowdown on Pompey in 2015.

How has Pompey's season gone so far?

Pompey's season so far has exceeded my wildest expectations! Remaining unbeaten from four league matches and beating a Championship team in the League Cup, things are looking good for the coming season. We've demonstrated some great traits which we haven't seen in recent seasons, and there's a hugely positive vibe around Fratton Park.

Seven years ago this was a Premier League fixture but five years later you found yourselves in the bottom tier. After all of the financial woes of the past, how is the club off the pitch today?

The club is now looking stable, which may not sound great but for Pompey fans means everything. It's certainly taken its time, but the Blues are now in a position to move on from our past and can now start concentrating on the future and looking up the League rather than watching over our shoulder and being scared of the drop!

Any fond memories of games between the two sides?

I think this question speaks for itself! I wasn't at the last match between the two sides, but who could forget such an incredible scoreline as the 7-4 in 07/08! I'm just hoping for a repeat tomorrow...

Who should Reading fans be wary of in the Portsmouth side?

Gary Roberts scored a great brace against Morecambe on Saturday either side of half time to spark a comeback from 3-0 down to draw 3-3, he's certainly on top of his game at the moment. Matt Tubbs did very well for us last season. Although he hasn't started this season yet, he's certainly a dangerous player when he gets the ball in the right place! The 25 year old Kyle Bennett is showing his skill at the moment as well, he's a nifty little player when he gets the ball to his feet!

Any Reading players you're not looking forward to facing?

Reading haven't had the best start to their season so far. Taking three points from four matches in the league and waiting until the 115th minute to grab the winner against Colchester in the League Cup means a win from this match is sorely needed, so I'm sure the Reading squad will come out all guns blazing. Hal Robson-Kanu has always been a solid performer for Reading so I think he could be one for us to watch.

Score prediction?

Pompey are the underdogs in this match, there's no question about it. However, especially having been at Fratton Park on Saturday to watch our fantastic comeback against Morecambe, the Blues are looking very solid at the moment and I have a good feeling about this game! It'll be an interesting one to watch, given Pompey's strong start to the season and Reading's unstable one. My prediction:
Portsmouth 3-1 Reading.

Finally, any advice for Reading fans making the trip down?

I'd advise parking along Eastern Road, just off the A3(M). There's a large curb, but there's plenty of space and it's free! I wouldn't advise trying to get a parking space at the stadium. And finally, try not to be too intimidated by The Fratton Faithful!